Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

On average, there’s a car wreck every five hours in Atlanta. A car accident could affect your life at any point. Being a safe driver is encouraged, but it won’t protect you from the negligent behavior of others on the road. 

Car accident victims are often left on the hook with thousands of dollars in medical bills, costly car repairs, lost wages from missing work, and emotional damages diminishing their quality of life. If the other party is found at fault in your Atlanta car accident, then you do not have to bear the costs of their mistakes.

At The Pendergrass Law Firm, our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers understand how overwhelming it can feel to be a victim in a motor vehicle crash. We offer an initial free consultation with our legal team and provide guidance and representation throughout car accident cases.

side-collisions

Types of Atlanta Car Accidents

Car accidents are all too common in Georgia. Many Atlanta collisions could be avoided if all drivers practiced patience and diligence on the roads. The most common crashes car accident lawyers face involve negligence, dangerous weather conditions, poor road conditions, and vehicle defects.

Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers handle the following types of accidents:

  • Drunk driver car accidents
  • Drugged driving collisions
  • Distracted driving incidents
  • Rear-ends
  • Rollover accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents

The effects of an Atlanta, GA, motor vehicle accident can be devastating. Car accident injuries can affect injury victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Don’t fret, The Pendergrass Law Firm provides legal remedies to assist each car accident victim in recovering the damages they have incurred.

Atlanta Car Accident Aftermath

The Pendergrass Law Firm understands how important it is to protect your legal rights at the scene of an Atlanta car accident. The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of the accident can help your auto accident claim. To seek compensation for your medical bills, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurer to seek compensation. 

Pre-Accident Preparations

Before you’re involved in an accident, an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney would recommend: 

  • Carrying your driver’s license with you
  • Purchasing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage 
  • Keeping emergency tools like flares and orange cones in your car
  • Keeping proof of your insurance
  • Keeping your registration in the vehicle
  • Make sure your emergency lights work
  • Make sure you stay current on your insurance coverage

Starting Your Accident Claim

To secure compensation for serious injuries, you’ll need to begin your car accident case properly. Things you can do to protect your right to compensation after an accident include:

  • Seeking medical help for yourself and injured victims
  • Calling the police to make an official accident report
  • Exchanging names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver
  • Taking pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
  • Collecting contact information for any witnesses
  • Scheduling a free consultation with Atlanta legal representation

Documenting each step of your injury cases, gathering evidence, getting your injuries treated as soon as possible, and seeking legal counsel can help you throughout settlement negotiations and trial. Make sure you adhere to Georgia’s statute of limitations or you won’t be able to take action against the other driver’s insurance company. 

Atlanta Car Accident Lawsuit Investigations

Atlanta car wrecks may lead to severe injuries. If those injuries are caused by the other driver’s negligence, then Georgia law states that person is legally responsible for the injured parties. That’s why it’s imperative to immediately launch an investigation into the wreck. A car accident attorney can help.

To prove negligence when pursuing compensation in your car accident or wrongful death claim, you must demonstrate that the defendant:

  • Failed to pay attention to their surroundings,
  • Drove while distracted,
  • Drove under the influence,
  • Violated traffic laws, or
  • Drove without a license

A Fulton County car crashes attorney can examine the following when investigating your claim: 

  • Atlanta police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Photo and video footage of the accident
  • Driving records and accident history
  • Medical reports
  • The scene of the accident
  • All the damages suffered

Atlanta Car Accident Damages

To determine the amount of compensation to request, an attorney can work with experts to pinpoint your injuries and project your crash-related expenses. Damages you may be entitled to include, but are not limited to:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of intimacy and support
  • Long-term effects of your physical injuries

Atlanta Auto Accident Claims

The Pendergrass Law Firm has experience handling auto accidents, negotiating with other law offices, and filing insurance forms. Our law offices can review the information obtained during our investigation to bolster a claim. 

This claim will be the basis of your lawsuit and will state your injury and damages, the alleged negligent behavior of the other driver, and the compensation you are pursuing for your damages. Both parties will attempt to negotiate a settlement. The majority of claims end here. 

However, it’s also important for your accident law firm to prepare your case for trial when negotiations are still unsuccessful. We offer an initial free consultation with our legal team and provide guidance throughout the claims process, negotiations, and trial. Contact our firm today to take the first step in securing compensation.

Georgia Fault Laws

Georgia is a “fault” car insurance state. This means that automobile accident victims can seek compensation directly from the at-fault party, the at-fault party’s insurer, and their own insurance company.

Always remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses and want to compel you into agreeing to the lowest settlement possible. That’s why personal injury law professionals suggest working with an attorney. They also suggest that you refrain from discussing the details of your accident, because any statements you make may potentially harm your claim. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta Car Accidents

The outcome of your Atlanta car accident claim will depend on your injuries and damages. The amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on the value of your damages and the apportioning of blame between all parties involved in your car crash.

Sometimes accidents involved more than one person. These types of claims can be particularly bewildering, and that’s why we suggest working with a legal professional. Contact The Pendergrass Law Firm for a free consultation today. 

How much is my Atlanta car accident claim worth?

The damages you’ve faced and the limits of the insurers involved will determine the compensation you’re allowed under Georgia law. Damages are divided into two categories: those that can be easily measured and others that cannot. 

Economic damages usually have receipts or bills that show their monetary value. Examples include:

  • Medical bills (both now and in the future)
  • Costs of repairing or replacing damaged property
  • Accessibility modifications for your home caused by your injuries
  • Lost wages as a result of missing work
  • Lost earning capacity due to disability or disfigurement

Non-economic damages can include things like physical pain, mental and emotional suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoymentkm. Your Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you compile a list of your damages, evaluate them, and determine how much you are owed. 

What should I expect in a car wreck claim?

When you file a car accident claim with the insurance company, an insurance adjuster will decide whether or not to make you an offer to settle. The insurance adjuster may suggest that you are at least partially to blame for the accident. 

That’s why it’s smart to hire an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer. Your experienced car accident attorney can protect your rights by negotiating a better settlement offer that meets your needs. 

If an insurer claims the accident was your fault, even partially your fault, a car accident lawyer can advocate for you and gather evidence to prove the contrary. The Pendergrass Law Firm has a history of success working with clients. We aren’t afraid to take the fight to court to protect your rights and get you the compensation you’re entitled to.

What if you share the fault in your accident?

The total amount of your compensation package is impacted by the amount of fault courts determine you’ve had for your collision. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule (Georgia Code § 51-12-33) states:

  • You are not legally owed compensation when you are deemed to be 50% or more responsible. 
  • Your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of blame you share for the wreck

The Pendergrass Law Firm knows it’s crucial to have an accident lawyer on your side. Our attorneys can compile evidence of the other party’s fault to maximize your potential compensation.

What’s the statute of limitations in Atlanta, GA?

When you’re involved in an auto accident in Georgia, you have a limited amount of time to file your collision claim. According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, this deadline is two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long to file your claim could mean that you lose the right to pursue compensation. 

Are car accident attorneys worth it?

If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, hiring a car accident lawyer can help you to get your life back on track. Insurance companies work with whole teams of adjusters and attorneys. They understand how to convince you that your claim is worthless. 

If you accept a settlement without considering the full extent of your current and future damages, you could be leaving a lot of money on the table. That may also mean you’re left paying for the cost of your accident.

Considering that our Atlanta car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, you don’t pay anything until we win you compensation. So, yes. Hiring an attorney is worth it. Consider hiring The Pendergrass Law Firm today for skillful Atlanta car accident lawyers. 

What is the average settlement for a car accident in Georgia?

The amount of compensation you receive for your car accident will depend on the specific details of your case. Anyone injured in a collision that wasn’t their fault is entitled to recover compensation. The Insurance Information Institute reports the average claim for bodily injury after a collision was $20,235 in 2020. 

What if I’m also at fault for my GA accident?

Georgia laws allow for restitution as long as you are less than 50 percent liable for the injuries. Sometimes, multiple people share responsibility for an accident. Sharing responsibility does not stop you from recovering damages in accidents, but it will influence the amount you’ll get.

How can car accident attorneys assist me?

Car accident attorneys may be of assistance by: 

  • Investigating your accident
  • Obtaining copies of the police report, medical records, and other important documents
  • Corroborating the stories of witnesses who were at the scene
  • Determining all your damages, including medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering 
  • Advocating for you with the insurance company 
  • Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf

How much will an Atlanta car accident lawyer cost?

Many injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. If you are awarded financial compensation, your attorney will deduct their agreed-upon fee from that amount.

Are ATL car accident lawyers necessary?

Just like when you’re sick, it’s a good idea to speak with a physician. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer. Georgia law does not require you to have an attorney. However, an experienced car accident lawyer can investigate your accident and help prove liability and fault in the accident. 

A car accident lawyer will know how to build a strong case and can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you maximum compensation. The Pendergrass Law Firm will help limit the amount of stress that victims take on. 

Instead of worrying about your case, your attorney will allow you to focus on getting your life back on track. Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your situation in detail, and get a better understanding of how we can work to get you the outcome you deserve.

Get a Free Case Evaluation From Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by someone else, you shouldn’t be on the hook for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Georgia personal injury laws state that you deserve compensation. 

The Pendergrass Law Firm provides all of our potential clients with a free consultation to determine how we can be of assistance in your claim. If you’re ready to seek the compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia law, call our office today. 

When someone endangers the lives of their fellow drivers by driving negligently, we have extensive experience representing victims of negligent driving accidents. We know how to gather the necessary evidence that demonstrates who was responsible for your accident. 

We will use that evidence to help you get the compensation that you need to take care of accident-related expenses. Contact The Pendergrass Law Firm if you have been in an Atlanta car accident; we will fight for your right to get the settlement claim that you deserve.